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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT STEAM THERAPY
WHERE DID STEAM/SAUNA THERAPY COME FROM?
Sauna/steam therapy started some 1500 + yrs ago in the Nordic countries of Europe. The earliest saunas were a log building with an earthen floor and a pile of rocks in the center of the room. We would call it a smoke sauna. The wood fire was started on the rocks and burned most of the day till the rocks were hot. Water was tossed on the rocks for steam. People sat on benches around the room. These rooms were not very large, only about 10' x 10'. The walls and ceilings were glossy black from the creosote.
Later, when steel and welding were in wide use, the next generation of wood heater started and were much the same as available today. They had a firebox and a hot water tank as part of the stove. Water was heated until it was boiling, the room was hot, and sauna was taken. Generally, the fire door and damper were in another room for cleanliness.
They were almost always built near a water source such as a river, stream, lake, or well. Water was carried into the sauna and was poured into two tanks, one to get hot and another "cold water barrel" was nearby to temper for bathing.
Later, as running water and electricity became prevalent, the sauna moved indoors as part of the home. Usually in the basement of homes and sometimes as part of a garage, etc. We now see a few that have them on the 2nd floor. These, of course, are always electric saunas.
WHY ELECTRIC?
Electric Steam/Sauna has become the method of choice, as they are fast, convenient, economical, easy, and do not have the problems and dangers of wood.
WHY DO I REALLY NEED STEAM/SAUNA?
It is a method of relaxing through heat, steam, and humidity.
Steam/sauna heat speeds up the body processes, increases blood flow, and cleanses the skin as nothing else can.
Relaxation is what this is all about. It's not just to get clean- as the Finns say, "Sauna on koyhan apterkki" (Sauna is a poor man's drugstore)- it truly is.
Steam therapy is a very pleasant, comforting, and rewarding experience. The idea of steam/sauna is to provide a pleasant atmosphere for relaxation, or to sort of shut the world away.
HOW DOES STEAM/SAUNA CLEANSE?
Steam cleanses both physically and mentally, a short session invigorates and a longer one relaxes, making one sleep like a baby.
A shower rinses dirt off the surface, but steam gets your pores "squeaky-clean". There's nothing that cleanses like steam, but it’s not just to clean off.
Pores in our skin are actually holes the skin uses to breathe. Ladies, think about this for a minute. The ads tell you to spread some "wonder" goop on your skin to cleanse it (they call it cleansing cream). If it's already dirty, how can you cleanse a pore by spreading cream over it?
Steam/sauna flushes the pores from the inside out so they're really clean. If you have acne, nothing cleans your pores better than this therapy.
A shower cleans quite well, but it cleanses just the surface. Only perspiration flushes the pores- from the inside-out, not the outside in. Makes sense doesn't it?
This is why we prefer our traditional steam therapy, which raises the humidity and rapidly causes you to perspire freely.
Mentally it also refreshes. It seems that after a session you just feel good, relaxed, and ready to tackle the world again. It helps people suffering from depression.
So you see, it is a poor man's drugstore, and you don't need a prescription.
ARE SHOWER FACILITIES REQUIRED IN A CLINIC SITUATION?
We recommend showering immediately after sauna use to avoid re-absorption of toxins. However, we have found that the client is very reluctant to shower in the public setting and prefers to go directly home to shower. Therefore, most health practitioners have the client arrive in a sweat suit with a swimsuit underneath. The session usually lasts thirty minutes. The client sits on a towel has his/her feet on a towel and wipes off the perspiration as it occurs. The patient then dons his/her sweat suit and goes home to shower. The re-absorption is minimal.
WHAT ABOUT THE USE OF THE SAUNA BY THE ELDERLY?
The older we get the more toxic we become. Many anti-aging practitioners are now incorporating steam/sauna therapy. It is important to note that virtually all patients over sixty are dehydrated to some degree, and this should be addressed along with mineral deficiencies. Low temperatures are mandatory, never over 55oC. Begin at 40oC and gradually increase the temperature.
WHAT ABOUT USE BY CHILDREN?
Children’s ratio of body weight to water is significantly greater than adult’s so the potential for dehydration is increased. If the stam/sauna is used at all for children under ten, it should be used for a short duration at a low temperature (40oC) with lots if fluids. Children with heavy toxicity should not use the sauna except under the direction and supervision of a qualified health practitioner. Good results have been noted with autism and ADD/ADHD.
IS STEAM/SAUNA GOOD FOR WEIGHT LOSS?
There is the obvious weight loss that is associated with burning calories. Most important, however, is the weight loss that occurs with those clients with chemical toxicities. These are the people who have tried many diets with little or no results. Toxic chemicals are stored in the fat cells and the body will not let go of the fat unless or until you get rid of the toxins. The body very cleverly binds up these toxins in the fat to preserve other organs. Once the toxins are gone, the weight gain associated with over acidity/malabsorption is also solved once toxins are removed.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I USE STEAM/SAUNA?
Three times per week is usually recommended. More often is possible but it is best to discuss with your health practitioner.
HOW LONG SHOULD I STAY IN THE SAUNA?
One half hour is usually the right amount of time but you may need to begin with ten minutes and work up to one half hour if you are especially toxic. Many people stay in for an hour if they feel a cold or sore throat coming on.
WHAT TEMPERATURE IS BEST?
We suggest beginning at 40oC and working up to 55oC. It is not necessary and often not advisable to exceed this temperature.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF STEAMBATHING?
Studies demonstrate that steambathing, relieves tension through muscle relaxation, restoration of well-being, and the elimination of impurities through opened pores.
IS IT NECESSAY TO TAKE A SHOWER AFTER STEAMBATHING?
It’s encouraged to take a shower after steambathing. Many of the impurities that may have secreted from your pores are left on your skin and need to be washed off.
THE STEAM BATHING HELP BOOST THE IMMUNE SYSTEM?
Studies have shown that steambathing has increased immune system by increasing white blood cells.
CAN STEAMBATHING HELP INCREASE MUSCULAR FLEXIBILITY AND CIRCULATION?
Steambathing has been known to increase flexibility and circulation as well as increase metabolism.
DOES STEAMBATHING IMPROVE SKIN?
Steambathing has been known to improve skin by hydration and has also been known to improve over-all body tone.
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